Tonkinese

The Tonkinese is a short-haired cat of Burmese and Siamese descent, with a soft "mink" colourpoint coat and striking aqua eyes.

History

It was developed by crossing the Burmese and the Siamese, aiming for a cat midway between the two in build, colour and character. The blend gives it the mink coat and the intermediate body that define the breed.

Temperament

The breed is known for being playful, social and affectionate — chattier and busier than many cats, though softer-voiced than the Siamese — and it thrives on company and involvement. It dislikes being left alone for long.

Care

The short coat is easy to keep with occasional grooming. Like its parent breeds, it wants engagement and play, and does best with company or a companion animal.

Health

The breed is generally robust, sharing some tendencies of its Siamese and Burmese ancestry such as dental and, in some lines, respiratory issues. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one cat; the measured facts and trait ratings are in the panels.